IL looks to improve its state-run insurance exchange

Illinois is one of the states with its own health insurance benefits exchange, and while it was one of the costliest marketplaces this past year, it may end up being more successful this time around.

The Associated Press reported Illinois spent $33 million in federal dollars in marketing the exchange. The news source noted Illinois spent $37 for every person who signed up for insurance benefits on the site last year just on television ads. 

This year, however, the state has already committed to using its money wisely, Jennifer Koehler, an attorney and top official for the state exchange, told the news source.

"We're making sure there are legitimate justifications for every expense," Koehler said. "The federal government has been very generous to Illinois, but we want to make sure we're getting the absolute best value for the taxpayers."

According to the Chicago Tribune, Illinois's exchange already has more insurers that want to have health plans on the marketplace next year, which the newspaper reported is a strong increase from just six insurers participating this year. One insurer enrolled 92 percent of Illinois residents last year, and the particular insurer will remain on the exchange during the next open enrollment period, the Tribune reported.